New regs : opinions wanted please

[Roombaguy]

Hi all,

This has probably been asked a million times, but here goes.
I currently have some ex-rental regs and they are due for servicing. Instead of doing that, I was thinking it may be time to get some new gear instead since the cost of servicing seems high (at least here in Cayman) and it may be just better to spend a bit more and replace them.

I currently have a Sherwood Brut 5100 and would change the 1st & second stages. The Pressure gauge was replaced not long ago so is still fine. Computer is wrist mount.

I dont think I need anything super fancy. I started diving +- 1 year ago and try to dive every other week-end at a minimum.

Thanks for any input.

M.

 

[Fishpie]

All regs will need servicing at some point and labor charges are going to be the same for any set you own, especially if you will be utilizing the same dive center. Cost (and availability) of parts will be the only variable.
That said Sherwood regs are very simple with few service parts and as a result their service kits are amongst the most reasonable price wise.
Since you are a "local" and presumably diving with one particular center you should get to know the main service person......resort dive centers make their money from tourists and usually look very kindly on any residents that dive with them.

 

[SkimFisher]

It's never a bad thing to have multiple sets of working regs...

 

[herman]

I'm with Fishpie on this one. All you are going to "save" is the cost of one years service, next year you are in the same boat if you service once a year, the only saving would be warranty parts...assuming the free parts is covered in the Caymans. If not, Sherwood has about the cheapest part going. Considering the ruggedness of the Sherwoods extending your service to 2 year is not out of the question, easily saving you quite a bit of money.

 

[LEE MORRIS]

I have two regs, one is about 10 yrs old and the other is 5yrs, i service my reg every 2-3 years or when ever they start not to perform to my expectations, i would take care of the ones that you have, as mention earlier, all regs are going to need service, it just a matter of when.

Lee

 

[Roombaguy]

Thanks everyone. Very interesting comments, I really appreciate it.

M.

 

[Damselfish]

If you really want a new reg anyway and plan to get rid the old on, then it certainly makes sense to do it before you service the old ones. But yeah, if you buy a new set and follow the typical service schedule, you're just back in the same place next year (although with a newer reg.) Of course, some people don't follow the manufacturers suggested schedule or worry about the warranty stuff. And some people even buy new lower end regs, use them for a few years, then do it again before they really need service. All sorts of strategies out there.

(Is the cost of getting a new one really just "a bit more" than service there?)

 

[eliminator]

Oceanic makes good, affordable, and reliable gear....

 

[Couv]

If you mean your reg is due for a service on a time schedule perhaps you should re-think the issue before spending any money. If your regulator is acting up, that is a different story.

See this link for a set of checks everyone is capable of and should be doing:
For the latest revision http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/4320058-post14.html
For the start of the entire thread http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/regulators/260452-regulator-checklist-inspection.html

Couv

 

[tfsails]

You can't beat a Sherwood for reliability. You can't beat it up, either. I'd think long and hard before I replaced it. They are truly bulletproof regulators and take a lickin' and keep on tickin'.